Yard number 662 with Westinghouse Turbines. Having been taken to the Tyne for fitting of turbines at Wallsend Slipway, the ship was being towed back to the Wear by seven tugs for completion. 11th February 1950 was a particularly stormy day and at about mid day the ship heaved to one side, pulling the tug "Stag" until it overturned and sank. Ernest Baister, the master and George Brown (fireman) survived. William Brown (mate), William Noble (deckhand), Alex Mollinson (engineman), and 17 year old deckhand Ronald Wigham all drowned. The ship was about 8 miles fro the coast at the time. Lifeboats were dispatched from Sunderland but the search was called off. The ship was eventually brought under control and moored at Manor Quay.The tug Wellington was built by Cummins and Ellis at Inverkeithing for Alexander towing, in 1897 with a 2 cylinder compound engine. Sold to Wear Tug owners in 1923 it became "Stag". It was chartered to France Fenwick in 1941 and sold to them in 1944.These notes were from the full account of the incident and can be found at "History of the Nelson (Fullwell) Tugboat."

Thanks both for the kind comments, but only possible due to some excellent contributions from fellow NEM members such as George and Kevin, plus also many other members who have given permission for their photos to be used. My thanks to all of them.